Class E Reservists

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether there is any likelihood of Class E reservists in the R.A.F., who were called up prior to the outbreak of war when they were already over military age and some of whom are now between 45 and 50 years of age, being able to obtain their discharge.

Under the Military and Air Forces (Prolongation of Service) Act, 1939, the airmen referred to are liable for service until the end of the present emergency, and I regret that it is not practicable to release them meanwhile. Applications for release or discharge on compassionate grounds are considered on their merits.

Mr. Duģdale

Would the right hon. Gentleman see that these men, who showed very great patriotism in joining up long before the war, are not penalised? Many of them are now quite old and incapable of carrying out full military duties.